The Children’s Center of Hamden (TCCOH) has received a $250,000 award through the State of Connecticut’s Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) program to support planning for future campus improvements aimed at expanding access to behavioral health and substance use services for children, adolescents, and families across Greater New Haven.
The funding will support a comprehensive assessment of TCCOH’s seven-building campus and help guide long-term improvements designed to strengthen and expand critical behavioral health services for the community.
Founded in 1833, The Children’s Center of Hamden provides a continuum of behavioral health, psychiatric, and educational services for children, teens, young adults, and families, including outpatient therapy, substance use treatment, psychiatric residential treatment, special education through its Whitney Hall School, and more.
The planning effort will include feasibility studies, engineering and architectural assessments, as well as community engagement initiatives such as surveys and focus groups to better understand evolving behavioral health and substance use needs throughout the region.
“This investment is an important step forward for the children and families we serve throughout Greater New Haven,” said Jim Maffuid, Chief Executive Officer of The Children’s Center of Hamden. “Demand for behavioral health and substance use services continues to grow, and this funding allows us to thoughtfully plan for the future so we can continue expanding access to high-quality care and support for our community.”
Maffuid added, “We are deeply grateful to Governor Ned Lamont, the Community Investment Fund Board, and our local legislative delegation for recognizing the urgent need for behavioral health investment in our region. Their support will help us build a stronger foundation for the future of mental health services in Connecticut.”
Findings from the process will help establish measurable goals and guide future phases of campus and program development aimed at expanding access to care for vulnerable children and families.
State Representative Josh Elliott also praised the award and TCCOH’s work serving local families. “The Children’s Center of Hamden has long been a critical resource for children and families across our region,” said State Representative Josh Elliott. “This funding will help ensure the organization can continue strengthening and expanding access to behavioral health services at a time when the need has never been greater. I’m proud to support this investment in the wellbeing of our community.”
The Community Investment Fund 2030 was established by the State of Connecticut to support economic development and community improvement projects in historically underserved communities throughout the state.